Lentil Taco Filling

Name: Lentil Taco Filling
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons vegetable oil½ cup chopped onion½ cup chopped bell pepper (any color)1 clove garlic; minced or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder½ cup dried lentils; rinsed4 ½ teaspoons chili powder1 teaspoon cumin½ teaspoon oregano (optional)1 ¼ cups low-sodium broth (any flavor)½ teaspoon salt (optional)

A tasty alternative to meat or fish tacos that provides a filling rich in flavor.

Video

Bowl of seasoned lentils with vegetables garnished with cilantro.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

½ cup chopped onion

½ cup chopped bell pepper (any color)

1 clove garlic, minced or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

½ cup dried lentils, rinsed

4 ½ teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon oregano (optional)

1 ¼ cups low-sodium broth (any flavor)

½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

Wash hands with soap and water.
Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
In a large skillet, heat oil on medium. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic. Sauté until tender, about 3 minutes.
Add the lentils, chili powder, cumin and oregano, if desired. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover the skillet and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes for brown lentils. Add water if necessary to keep the lentils just covered with liquid.
Uncover the skillet and cook until the mixture thickens and most of the water is gone, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add salt, if desired.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

Use for tacos, wraps or salad.
Different types of lentils have different cooking times. Check the package or bulk bin for how long to cook the type you buy.

Featured in a Food Hero Monthly

Comments

Submitted by HENelson13 on Mon, 06/24/2024 - 12:43

This recipe is a perfect intro recipe to lentils for someone just starting to use lentils. This taco filling gives off such a great flavor. This was a great vegetarian taco filling option. This recipe also pairs well with the Food Hero Pico De Gallo salsa recipe!

Submitted by lauralamotte on Tue, 05/19/2020 - 11:06

A great vegetarian dish to have for several nights of varied uses.

Submitted by tierrabonita on Tue, 12/19/2017 - 08:50

A great way to use lentils and super low cost dinner! Was easy too, and i got it cooking first and then had the perfect amout of time to prep the rest of the meal - we made tostadas. I put a layer of lentils down on the tostada first and then topped with beans and cheese and veggie, and the kids ate every bite...